We have received confirmation from Feel Ghood Music and UC Irvine Center for Korean Studies that MFBTY will be performing Monday, October 7th at UC Irvine. Tiger JK is also expected to partake in a panel discussing Korean hip-hop roots. The below is the preliminary announcement image, but we encourage people to join UCI Korea’s mailing list for immediate developing details.

Additional updates will be posted on this website and our social media feeds:

The first Yoonmirae hip-hop album was so precious to me, that I remember being heartbroken when someone stole it from me (yes, that album was that hot). It has remained a favorite hip-hop album 16 years later, and fans have waited ever so patiently for a part 2.

And on July 5th, 2018, we will finally have it.

Yoonmirae’s “Gemini 2” track list was released on July 3rd by Feel Ghood Music, and it was announced the title song, “YOU & ME,” will feature fellow FGM artist, Junoflo.

While the feature with Tiger JK and song, “Cookie (assumingely about Jordan)” are of interest, the first song on the album is definitely eye-catching.

In a recent V LIVE broadcast, Tiger JK joked that they would be competing against each other. However, fans don’t seem to mind, and are excited to see how they’ll compete with each other.

The Korean title, “Kawi Bawi Bo,” is commonly known as the classic Rock, Paper, Scissors game, which is often played between children and adults to make decisions.

However, the song is quite a precursor to Yoonmirae’s “Gemini 2,” a hip-hop follow up to her first hip-hop album nearly 16 years ago.

Peep the teaser Feel Ghood Music released. What are you expectations of “Gemini 2?”

EDIT 4/19 4:19PM EST: Previous posts and articles have cited 4/20 was the date of the actual album release. This date will only be for Yoonmirae’s “KawiBawiBo” release. The full album still does not have a release date.

After a (thankful) year long delay, the final release of Drunken Tiger’s album has dawned upon us. The April 13th release of the single, “Yet,” took Drunken Tiger fans through memory lane, and both long time and recent fans were posed the question of, “Are you still Drunken?”

LYRICAL STORY

“Yet” is a visual and lyrical journey through Tiger JK’s career obstacles. While JK reminisces in a room filled with MFBTY memorabilia, his first verse takes us back to his early artist days. Long time fans can remember that although Korean hip-hop was gaining popularity during the 90s, it was still considered unprofitable and genre most mainstream labels were afraid to touch. Tiger JK was considered an outcast, for his Korean-American heritage and for the music he represented even through DT’s most successful days.

However, the “Yet” hook is an homage to the millions of fans that Drunken Tiger have gained through the era despite those obstacles. As we’re simultaneously taken through Tiger JK’s transformation and legendary performances visually, we’re reminded lyrically of “fans wearing Drunken hats (2004-2012),” and the “one shot” call is a nostalgic phrase that has prevailed through Drunken Tiger songs since the beginning.

It’s the second verse where we’re taken into JK’s deepest struggle. We’re told a story of JK discovering trusted individuals (inferred in his lyrics as Jungle Entertainment), stealing from and betraying him. The lyrics describe these individuals misusing his, Yoonmirae’s, and his son, ‘Jordan’s “dojang” (a Korean stamp used to officiate documents) to forge documents and misuse funds for personal gain. To add insult to injury, JK’s father’s cancer diagnosis is also mentioned having happened at the same time. We’re taken through JK’s dark frustration, as he alludes to trying to raise his son, take care of his father, and dealing with a massive financial and emotional betrayal. However, we’re given a sense of promise and sense of invigoration towards the end, and he calls to fans who have stayed with him once again.

Though only a bit over 3-minutes long, the song leaves numerous contextual questions: What did JK particularly endure?

BEHIND THE SCENES

In a recentpodcast episode with Jung YoungJin and Choi Wook, JK answered numerous questions related to his career, many relating to the “Yet” single.

The first verse: When he first debuted with his solo album, Tiger JK was met with much backlash by the industry for bringing in hip-hop culture in a time where its rebellious elements were still considered taboo. JK revealed that though his solo sold 150,000 copies, a feat that defied the numerous bans on its songs, it was considered unsuccessful in comparison to other artists of the time. Censorship carried over into when Drunken Tiger the group debuted in 1998, and while they started to receive recognition in the underground scene, the label still saw Drunken Tiger as an unprofitable liability. Much of Drunken Tiger’s earlier work relied on themselves to book shows, set up studio time, and direct their own music videos. Long time fans can remember the MVs being low budget, being primarily filmed on streets, subways, and in their own clothing. However, Drunken Tiger soon proved to be an anomaly success, having prevailed locally and also within the international community.

The second verse: “Yet’s” second verse is given context midway through the interview, where JK discusses having had suspicions of his former management hiding money, despite him and Yoonmirae being at peak points of their career. While initially overlooking this as much of his management were familiar with JK for nearly a decade, the amount of work put in did not add up to what was being earned. After doing numerous advertisements with big name artists, how or why Jungle could be in deficit did not add up. During a late night where JK returned to the office, files were discovered revealing how the management were forging documents and embezzling nearly 5 million USD in album sales and appearance fees. Plans were in place to secretly sell off the company while simultaneously dumping JK and Yoonmirae. The couple have alluded to Jungle’s mishandlings for years, but to fully disclose in this matter has not been easy.

JK, Yoonmirae, and Bizzy left the label to establish Feel Ghood Music. However, the legal ordeal between Jungle lasted for years. To add insult to injury, JK’s father received cancer treatment that was initially misdiagnosed, and later inadequately treated, contributing to his death in 2014.

When asked if JK is able to legally fight for the funds, he replied, “By the time I was able to start litigations, the label was sold off to a larger more powerful corporation,” implying it would a feat to fight legally.

Although the years have been tumultuous, JK found solace that his music wasn’t a failure. He made million dollar music, but just millions that he never saw.

The podcast covers an extensive amount more that this blog space can cover (i.e. JK’s TaeKwonDo instructor days, and why he donated thousands of savings to Sewol Ferry tragedy). Set aside an hour for an interesting listen.

What are your thoughts on “Yet” and the final Drunken Tiger album?

Drunken Tiger “YET” (Eng. Translation)

[Verse 1]

If you say I’ve aged, I’ve aged.If I’m done, above the period I’ll draw a line, an exclamation pointMy ‘right to remain silent’I breathed the Boom Bap, I danced the Boom Bap.Even then fingers pointed at me saying my soul is blackLight turns to dark and shines only on the flashyExploding happiness or tears, we’d pour the shotThe Medallion that hangs now of lost valuesFills the chain around your neck taming youGuilty principles are dirty, guilt conscienceHaving nothing can become a sin, you see I jumped higherThe law is a high stonewall for the well offWe without money, get locked inYou still don’t get itScarier than a bullet was my MC philosophyNow it doesn’t scare meThose that clearly just followRebellion without reasonWithout souls, their bodies followIn any case, even then it wasn’t easyChoking with my own two fistsIt’s my lifeThe red tattoo dripping from my body ya meanDrunken Tiger – Feel Ghood Music

[Hook]

‘Drunken’ we’d say and singSaying One shot we’d raise our glassWhere are all my friends (come on!)Yet yet…a recent once upon a time…‘Drunken’ we’d say and singSaying One shot we’d raise out glassWhere are all my friends (come on!)Yet yet…a recent once upon a time…

[Verse 2]

If you say I’m crazy, I’m crazyIf I’m done, above the period I’ll draw a line, an exclamation pointMy ‘Right to remain silent’Honest ‘Jeong’ and hero ‘Geol’, (the Chinese characters for “Jungle”)My father gave me – Name, Trust, my everythingThose I trusted, stole from meThey took my youth, songs from my soul, MeNight or day playing golf, playing – never satiatedMy son’s seal (dojang) became the golf club,My wife’s seal became two housesMy seal they forged then gambled, I don’t know, don’t know, interceptedEnemies repaid their favors with a stab in the backWith nowhere to go, my family, my son’s crying steps drove me madI wanted to kill them, really wanted to kill them,I could’ve killed them, really could’ve killed themRight then the heartless heavens, father fell to cancerGiven 6 month to live, and so exactWhile the scum that receives lives wellWhy is it my father that has to goDon’t go father, don’t dieWhat is mom supposed to doFinally then, let’s live, I set my mind to sarang (love), the only two syllables leftThe father who passed, now with grandmother, 845 toThis is not a game, was the promise made before his deathIt’s the king and I – my soul dripping the red tattoo

[Hook]

‘Drunken’ we’d say and singSaying One shot we’d raise our glassWhere are all my friends (come on!)Yet yet…a recent once upon a time…‘Drunken’ we’d say and singSaying One shot we’d raise out glassWhere are all my friends (come on!)Yet yet…a recent once upon a time…

It’s no secret Drunken Tiger JK has been planning to retire the Drunken Tiger name for awhile, but fans were fortunate that the retirement date was delayed due to other factors. However, our relaxation period is coming to a close.

On April 4th, 2018, Tiger JK alongside MFBTY announced he was releasing “the last Drunken Tiger album” most definitely this year, with a single now scheduled for this Friday, April 13th, 6PM KST.

According to JK, the single titled “Yet,” is representative of the classic Drunken Tiger feel, but adds a modern spin for new generation fans.

The full album still has an unofficial release date, but fans have “Yet” and also a Yoonmirae (hip-hop!) single coming out next week to hold them over.

Leave it to the “Wondaland” artists to drop news of a new mini album unconventionally!

MFBTY members, Tiger JK and Bizzy, have become addicted to their Instagram lives as of late, dropping snippets of a Feel Ghood Music EP that’s coming out TOMORROW 6/27.

The mini album will include all Feel Ghood Music artists, including Drunken Tiger JK, Yoonmirae, Bizzy, Junoflo, and Ann One.

The album will also feature actress/singer, Arden Cho, of Teen Wolf fame. Arden became friends with MFBTY in 2013.

The supposed song title is “Clap Clap Clap,” with a catchy hook graced by FGM’s leading lady, Yoonmirae.

We’ve asked JK to repost his IG live previews, but he’s keeping the snippets ever elusive for those not watching his lives already!

We recommend fans hit the follow button on IG and put boss on alert if they want to hear the album before anyone else!

Image CR: Michael Loccisano

-Elsa R, Drunken Tiger INTL

6:06AM KST UPDATE: After TigerJK went live, more details have been released. The album will drop at 6PM KST. FGM has NOT finished recording it (LOL). Another song title, 토끼 (“MADHATTER),” was revealed. It is a collab between Arden Cho and MFBTY (Drunken Tiger JK, Yoonmirae, and Bizzy). Another song features MRSHLL (Marshall Bang), an artist that Feel Ghood Music was seen hanging out with at SXSW.

If you’ve been living in the 90’s and don’t know what social media is, then you’ve completely missed the big news that Drunken Tiger, Yoonmirae, Bizzy (aka MFBTY) are coming to renowned awesome-encompassing South by Southwest.
Yes, you read that correctly: MFBTY is performing in America.

Over the weeks, we’ve been posited with a number of questions, including if the group will do extra shows nationwide, and if additional Feel Ghood Music artists are coming.

With the performance less than 3 weeks away, we’ve broken down the most common questions to help all fans attending.

Yoonmirae & Drunken Tiger JK attend SXSW Press Conference 02/29

The Basic Who/What/When:

The group will be performing FRIDAY, MARCH 17TH, at The Belmont, Austin, TX. They will be part of SXSW annual KPOP Night Out (hosted by KOCCA),a showcase of mainstream and independent Korean artists. Others performing include Red Velvet, No Brain, Big Phony, Hyorin, and Galaxy Express.

On The SXSW website, you will see that MFBTY technically is not listed as an artist, but Yoonmirae an Drunken Tiger are. While listed as 2 separate artists, they will have Bizzy, and two other Feel Ghood Music artists, Junoflo and Ann Onejoining them.

The set is to last 80 minutes (check SXSW GOfor details). That is A LOT OF SONGS.

“I Am Press And Would Like To Interview MFBTY.”

Out-of-Towners, Book Your Plane/Hotels ASAP.

The number of available and affordable places to stay is drying up (AirBNB is down to less 1% availability for close places under $120/night). The area you will be looking at is Downtown/University of Texas Austin. The further out, the more availability, but less transport options. Make a decision this week if you’re still contemplating flying in.

Getting To The Venue

Downtown Austin is serviced by a number of rails, buses, and carriages. However, parking is a P-I-T-A. There is no Uber or Lyft either. Plan ahead for other car sharing options.

Don’t Just Go To One Show

SXSW is a massive music, film, interactive, EVERYTHING festival. Tons of free food, parties, drinks, etc. There are a number of social media accounts monitoring free events (most summarized here). Enjoy your time while in town!

Get Back To the Airport Early, Especially If You’re Leaving Sunday

SXSW brings in thousands of people, most of whom leave Sunday. The Austin airport is tiny, and lines will be backed up (yes, even with TSA Pre-Check). Allow for 3-4 hours prior to your flight.

If you have any other questions not answered here, email us or hit us up on any of our social media channels.

See you in Austin!

More SXSW here.Photo: StarDaily, Junoflo (note Myundo and Superbee are pictured, but not attending this showcase)